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The men's triathlon at the Olympic Games has been postponed due to poor water quality in the River Seine, despite significant investments in infrastructure. As Sky News reports, organizers spent 1.4 billion euros (£1.18 billion) to renovate sewer systems, aiming to feature the Seine prominently in the Games.
Heavy rainfall during Friday's opening ceremony and subsequent days led to increased levels of E. coli and other bacteria in the river. This contamination forced the cancellation of Saturday's training events as the rain continued.
The men's triathlon is tentatively rescheduled for Wednesday, alongside the women’s event, but both depend on water test results. Friday is a backup day. Forecasts predict more storms Tuesday night and Thursday, with light rain expected Wednesday afternoon, potentially complicating the schedule.
Organizers emphasized athlete health, noting: “Despite the improvement in water quality levels in the last hours, the readings at some points of the swim course are still above acceptable limits.”
The competition could also face high temperatures, with Wednesday’s race starting at 10:45 a.m., possibly concluding during the hottest part of the day, when temperatures could reach 95F (35C). The women’s race remains set for 8 a.m.
Paris 2024 organizers intended to host events in the Seine, despite concerns over the river's long-standing pollution. Paris’s combined sewer system, which mixes wastewater and stormwater, can overflow into the river during heavy rainfall, causing contamination.
Daily testing of the river's water for E. coli is conducted by monitoring group Eau de Paris, adhering to European safety limits of 900 colony-forming units per 100ml. Recent data showed levels at 985 units per 100ml, slightly above the threshold.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and Paris 2024 chief Tony Estanguet had recently swum in the Seine to demonstrate its safety. The city’s investment included a giant basin to capture excess rainwater and upgraded wastewater treatment plants.
Dan Angelescu, CEO of Fluidion, which tests the Seine daily, noted the new infrastructure's limitations. While water quality improved with the use of capture basins since mid-June, large rainfalls still cause significant pollution.
Other planned events in the Seine include the triathlon mixed relay on August 5 and the women's and men's marathon swimming events on August 8 and 9.
[Information sourced from Sky News]
